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affords a molt rational relaxation to thofe who happen to have a 

 mufical difpofttion. 



I am ready to allow however that the greater part of the in- 

 habitants of this country mould get their livelihood by more la- 

 borious means, with which the practicing upon inftruments 

 mould not too much interfere ; but I have frequently been afto- 

 nifhed that thofe who intend to leave ample fortunes to their 

 children, without deftining them to any profeffion, mould check 

 this ftrong impulfe of nature, while the ringers are fupple, and 

 brilliancy of execution may be acquired. We begin too late if we 

 are to fray till we are own matters. 



I have before ventured to call muue a rational amufement, but 

 I may almoft pronounce it a neceflary one in the decline of life, 

 for moft eyes begin to fail at 50, whereas the ear commonly con- 

 tinues perfect to a much later period. As all parents therefore 

 wim that their children may attain a good old age, they mould 

 not withold from them the 



mijeris — viatica cants,. 



which will probably be the confequence of preventing their play- 

 ing on inftruments at an age when alone they can become practical 

 muficians, and thence acquire a tafte for the itriking effects of 

 harmony. 



ON 



